Adar

When the last horse crossed the palace gate Randal finally fell limp gasping at everyone's feet. It took several more moments before he composed himself to shakily push himself up. Finally, two servants ran over to help him up.

Lucian was watching Ashton... such cool disinterest hadn't been seen in months... "Ashton?" He asked walking over, when their eyes met Lucian saw the inhuman silver iris.

Jaxon tried to rush forward but it was too late, Lucian jerked back covering his mouth. The barest hint of a frown was on Ashton's face as he walked away.

Lucian remained standing but his tongue felt like he'd just swallowed a hot iron.

Neolani sneered as she followed Ashton back to his nest, he laid so his elbows were on the edge of the nest as he rested his head. Neolani made sure the cape of feathers covered his back down to his toes as she entered the nest, "We stand with you." She promised.

Ashton glanced over Neolani, then nodded. Ashton watched silently as the nobles fixed themselves up. The church had been busy little bees... all more the pity, all more to weep, kin thought of dragons, yet acted of sheep. Ah, but soon, oh so soon they would see.

Jaxon summoned two healers. Despite Lucian's expression remaining stoic, the damage had been substantial. Jaxon winced seeing the blistering throat as steam rose.

When Lucian could speak again he waved the healers away, "What was that?" He asked rubbing his jaw. Having it open for long had made it sore.

Sebastian had come over just to make sure there was no permanent damage, "I would call it a warning, your majesty."

Jaxon glared, Randal was still being helped to change his clothes and compose himself. "You seem well informed."

Sebastian glanced over Jaxon, "Or observant."

Charmaine snapped her fan closed to draw their attention. "What was that ceremony? Why did his eyes change... and his personality, was that the ascending?" She demanded drawing attention to the problems at hand. She had enough to deal with getting word out that the blessings were canceled, she did not need any more surprises.

"Since I have to guess, I would say that was Lord Reece giving his faithful a blessing." Sebastian shrugged, none of them had any real information on ascending, so any guess was as good as the others.

Jaxon glanced around, "We should have the Records Custodian search the library for that flame mark, and silver eyes."

Lucian nodded, then turned back to Sebastian, "A warning of what?"

Sebastian glanced down at his hands on his cane, "Your majesty, your address of Lord Reece was inappropriate, after this... at the very least he is your equal. As a Reece he may call you by name, as rude as it would be. Unless I am mistaken... Lord Reece did not give you permission to address him by his first name."

The room was silent.

"Explain." Lucian ordered, Ashton was not an emperor, and not all ascended were treated equal.

Sebastian met Lucian's eyes, "Your majesty, not even dragons could command the gryphons. Only in the height of the Adraian golden age did regular gryphons grace their palace halls. Unless I am mistaken, Lady Agapi is a legendary class gryphon. I'm not sure how powerful one must be to earn such... subservience, but surely Lord Reece's display was proof enough."

Jaxon tensed, "Then you're saying... Lord Reece will ascend into a divine gryphon?"

Sebastian shrugged, "I am saying, even a normal gryphon can defeat a fourth-tier land dragon. There are two dozen standing guard to a being who is considered a child. The formalities should be observed."

"The gryphons weren't part of that ceremony." Charmaine stated pointedly.

"Their leader, possibly a legendary class gryphon stated she was Lord Reece's Aunt. Then there are two leader class gryphons, six sub leaders, and I have any sense left the rest were elite class. Any one of them could raze the capital. Even if they did not submit themselves like the Inago, they are at least allied." Sebastian pointed out just as tersely.

Jaxon gritted his teeth, the battle hadn't looked so impressive from the ground... but that didn't mean any of their forces could withstand an elite wind arrow, let alone a javelin.

Sebastian gave a polite smile, "Now, I am eager to see what other surprises are in store. I shall take my leave, hopefully someone will take my words to heart."

Charmaine clenched her fan so hard it cracked, she didn't hide her hostility as she glared at Lucian, "Our children's lives are at stake, we have no guarantee after Lord Reece leaves. Do you dare claim you haven't failed him more than you already have?"

Lucian stared Charmaine down, but her glare didn't waver, "We are still the emperor."

"And I still your Empress," She gritted out, then turned and left. Lucian had only used her, her family, and now even his children. Clearly, she would have to prepare a separate path.

Jaxon sighed, "Luc, as much as I hate to admit it... we need to back down. Until we know more we're fighting in the dark and we keep setting off traps. We have to wait for the others to do their job before we take anymore losses."

"Bring Serafin, I'll open the library now and have the oathed start looking." Lucian agreed as he left to get the mana key.

Twenty minutes later all three were all in the throne room, along with ten oath bound servants who could only communicate with Lucian's permission. Lucian opened a door to a hidden passage leading them through the tunnels for almost twenty minutes.

Lucian then placed two mana keys into the middle of a wall on a passage, easily missed while most would look for doors. Jaxon, Serafin, and Lucian all had to give a willing drop of blood for the wall to open. The ten were given permission to communicate and take notes to report only to Lucian or Jaxon.

By the time Sebastian noticed Lucian's return, the Adarian delegation was reaching the gate, much earlier than planned. Ashton was being fed cut up fruits while the chests of remaining items were being led to the Eastern palace. Only the three largest gryphons, two lions, and twenty of the Inago, including the family of four remained.

Sebastian was surprised the young boy was personally cutting fruit for Ashton, many of the remaining warriors looked... envious. The garden had a nice view of the main gates, so seeing processions was easy.

Lucian prepared to greet the delegation, all three Dukes and Charmaine had all regained their composure. Despite the early arrival, little seemed amiss, well until Lucian noticed an unexpected face as the group of twenty entered the garden.

Second Prince Zane Keel Aquino Sabali Adar walked at the front, their mages had taken back seat after three fourth tier, and a fifth-tier mage had used a summoning circle to bring him to the Capital of Smyrna.

The entire delegation glanced over the Inago, gryphons, and young men in the nest. The group didn't hesitate to step off the red welcome carpet to kneel in front of the nest.

"No need to kneel." Ashton informed as Azarius hesitated to cut open another apple. Ashton glanced over the dark blue streak in Zane's hair, along with tiny wave the size of a teer beside Zane's left eye.

Zane hesitated with a bow, "I dare not look down upon one such as you," Zane explained as the rest bowed their heads deeply with closed eyes.

Azarius leapt over the side of the nest with a cheeky grin then stood beside his mother. A moment later the ground rumbled as Ashton's nest was raised so that even with Ashton leaning over the nest, he would be eye to eye with Zane.

"I am not so petty." Ashton informed as Zane and the rest straightened.

Lucian and Jaxon paled from the insult of being ignored but didn't step forward when Sebastian raised a brow to them.

"I, Zane Keel Aquino Sabali Adar, second prince of Adar and Blessed by Alaina, pay deepest respect to the beast temperance. Please accept our offerings," Zane intoned formally with cupped hands.

Ashton let out a chuckle, "Ah, you flatter me, I am not yet ascended, but even then, at best I will considered a beast of Pride. Feel free to call me Ashton, or Reece."

Zane didn't faulter, "Please excuse my ignorance, as well as my apologies."

Ashton grinned, but his eyes remained placid, "I am not so formal, be at ease."

Zane straightened as he gave a sharp whistle, an eagle cry answered as it dove, then with a last second it extended its wings to land gently beside Zane. The beast was as tall as Zane at 5'9, its wingspan more than twice that. It bowed stretching its wings out in front while lowering its head.

Ashton pushed himself up on his arms to look the beast over, "Impressive."

Zane smiled proudly as he waved to the hunting eagle, "I personally raised and trained Yara, her mother Kira is my personal companion. May she serve you well."

Ashton gestured for the eagle to come closer, with a quick flap she landed on the edge of his nest, "Show me your truths." He murmured as their heads rested against each other. Quick flashes of training with other eagles, and her fondness for the male came through.

Zane waited heart pounding for the beast's judgement. When his silver eyes opened there was genuine warmth.

"I accept your offering, in return." Ashton started as he held out a hand and a red down feather of fire appeared in his hand, "Place this on one of your companions, and you will be able to understand them. Even from a distance."

Zane held his hands out as the feather of flame drifted into his hand, he wasn't sure how, but suddenly knew how to use it. "You are generous beyond words," Zane thanked with a small bow. Zane watched as Yara leapt and glided to stand beside the enormous white gryphon.

"Peace little one, I am merely here to protect the hatchling." Agapi informed as she started to groom the young eagle's feathers.

Zane gave a formal bow then stepped back. The two priests in shimmering light blue nearly white priest robes stepped forward; hands cupped as they each held a translucent scale each.

"We bring official greetings and regards from our Lady Alaina. She hopes you fly freely and welcomes you to nest in any land she blesses." They spoke together, while their heads were bowed, they met Ashton's eyes.

Ashton nodded a little more formally; "I have received her... invitation. May she enjoy all she deserves in the days to come." Ashton accepted the scales, presenting two corporeal down feathers. If the princess wanted to play politics, he had time. Endless amounts of time.

The two stepped back as the feathers were placed in wooden boxes then tucked into their sleeves. Next six mages stepped forth, with the fifth tiered mage in the lead. With a quick bow he presented an sixth tier mana stone with both hands.

"We worked for three months to make this sixth-tier mana stone, it is only the second we have ever successfully empowered, please accept our efforts." The older mage offered reverently; they had been saving it for an emergency but... well a blessing to return safely was worth more than a stone.

"Truly, such innovation will bring honor for generations." Ashton complemented accepting the nearly translucent stone, many might even mistake it for a mana crystal. Only barest hint of murkiness in the middle betrayed it was a stone.

"Your praise brings us much honor great one." The mage gave another short bow as the youth reached... into nothing yet withdrew a handful of something.

Ashton opened a temporary rift then pulled a dozen quartz then dropped them into the man's hands. "When you rest tonight, perhaps these will assist you and your comrades. One each."

The mage gave a deeper bow as he and the others stepped back. He also noticed all their depleted mana was making a rapid recovery. He handed out the quartz and placed his own in his chest pocket closest to his heart.

Next fifteen of their nearly forty guards stepped forward, Adar had personally sent their best general to lead the guards as he stepped forward. While he wasn't as tall as Alexei, he would have been average height for the Inago. He was a giant among his own men.

Rommel Grisvold was also a maternal uncle to the second prince, as second son so Archduke Grisvold. Thanks to his blessing from Alaina he was even a fourth-tier combat mage. He also had the blue streak in his brown hair and a wave mark on his right palm. His family usually became guards for priests, or the royal family.

"Rommel of the Archduke Grisvold family formally greets the ascending Ashton Reece. Please accept our offerings, and well wishes." Rommel greeted formally then waved for four of his men to bring a large chest forward.

"The Grisvold house brings honor to Adar. Were you of the empire I would have attempted to bring you into the Pride, alas... Alaina would no doubt be cross if I tried." Ashton sighed with a light, but playful smile.

Rommel didn't bother to hide his grin, "I am honored, and will bring your praise to our patriarch." As the four sat the chest down, Rommel opened it with pride. "A guardian class 4th tier leviathan mana core, tasked by Alaina herself to be hunted three years ago. I personally landed the killing blow."

Ashton was impressed, there were also translucent scales around the teal blue core, "A task even deities would hesitate to carry out." Ashton opened the rift beside Rommel nodding.

Rommel reached his hand into the darkness and nearly fell over from the unexpected weight. He pulled out a full set of... dragon scale armor, already enchanted, there was also a dragon fang broad sword.

"While only a 4th tier lord class land dragon, the armor will reflect any fifth-tier spells automatically, but you can of course choose to allow spells past. The sword is imbued with sixth tier fire and lightning, rechargeable. May my gift protect the Grisvolds for generations to come." Ashton explained with a nod of respect.

Rommel was delighted with the gift, he gave a formal bow, "We will strive to always wear it with pride." Two of the Inago stepped forward, Rommel took note of how easily the two warriors carried the chest away.

Rommel backed away as the remaining 14 guards lined up, each holding three fruit. His second in command stood at the front.

"Please forgive our crude offerings, we never expected such a grace during our journey. Each fruit was personally selected by a member of the guard to wish you health and safety." The guard explained with a bow.

"Your offerings are as welcome as the eagle or core, I accept them and gift this," Ashton offered holding out his hand, soon a spark split, landing on the fourteen. "So long as you and yours honor me and mine, you will not come to any harm until you return to Alaina's territory." Then Ashton switched back to common.

"Until you return to Adar, may my gift help... guide the way." Ashton explained as several dozen sparks flashed out from his hand and into the entire Adarian delegation.

Zane immediately understood the gift, he could see malicious intent, he gave a formal bow. "Your gifts are wonderous and plentiful, may we live up to their expectations."

"May the sea bring you peace and prosperity." Ashton stated with a nod of dismissal. The delegation gave another bow, then returned to the red carpet to make their greetings to the empire.

Lucian glared as the delegation finally deigned to greet him.

Zane led the delegation using his bland, political smile while giving a half bow, "Zane Keel Aquino Sabali Adar greets Emperor Lucian Bellis Gustafson of Smyrna. May your reign be blessed by the wisdom of Dragons." He waved two guards forward.

Two of the guards each held a small chest, when Lucian's eyes turned to them, they lifted the lids. Inside each small chest were fourth and fifth tier mana stones.

"My father hopes our congratulation gifts are of use, and that our nations continue to have peaceful in the years to come." Zane offered nodding his head, the two stepped forward and presented the boxes. Zane kept eye contact with Lucian as the emotions of the Smyrnaean nobles rapidly fluctuated.

Jaxon stared at the boxes, each had at least 15 mana stones, truly a gracious gift... if they weren't compared to gifts given to Ashton. The empire didn't have a single 6th tier mana stone, yet Adar had successfully upgraded a fifth to a sixth tier, twice. This was practically a slap in the face.

Sebastian tapped his cane to draw attention to himself while Lucian continued to glare. "Second Prince Zane, your gifts are like a pillow for weary travelers. I am sure his majesty is simply beyond words. The Empire will surely prove to be worthy of such largess." He then gave a formal bow.

Zane nodded to Sebastian, "Of course, Duke Carlos. Though surely any gift would pale in comparison to the blessings such a beast of Pride bestows merely nesting in the empire. Please, accept our reverence for enticing such a grace."

Rommel glanced around... while the residual blessing was strong there wasn't any signs of typical benefits associated with a being that was ascending. Surely his prince had also noticed such... deficiencies.

"We accept the gifts, may your stay be pleasant Prince Zane." Lucian gritted out as two of his attendants stepped forward to accept the boxes.

Rommel wanted to spit at Lucian's feet, clearly being an emperor had not taught Lucian even basic courtesy. They didn't bother to mingle with any of the Smyrnaean nobles as they walked over to the Regina. "Regina Neolani, Alexei, I didn't expect to see the Pride here." He greeted taking the lead.

Neolani gave a nod of greeting, "We answered Ash's call." She half explained with a disdainful glance around the garden. Rommel waved to the young prince bringing him forward.

"This is Second Prince Zane, I have told him much about our meetings. Is the Pride looking to settle in the Empire?" Rommel asked also glancing around. Their relationship was closer than most, being only six years older than the second prince.

Neolani snorted, "We would sooner burn it to the ground, Beasts of Pride and Beasts of Greed do not mix well."

"Regina Neolani, may I ask how a Beast of Pride came to... nest so close to the heart of Beast of Greed then?" Zane asked slightly lowering his voice. Surely it was no accident...

Neolani's face went stony, as well did every member of the Inago, "Greedy beast threatened our young hatchling." She spoke loud enough for several closer nobles to hear.

The Adarian delegation shared looks of understanding. It was no surprise considering all the suspicious rumors about the Empire. Not to mention... not a single blessing could be felt outside the Inago tribe. Zane nodded to Rommel who then turned to Alexei.

"Perhaps we might speak more privately, we have a secure villa close to the palace." Rommel asked Alexei since he would be safeguarding Regina and their children.

Alexei smirked then reached over and ruffled Ashton's hair, "Our young hatchling has the entire Eastern palace. The Pride is already setting up a temporary nest. Perhaps you might join us after the rest of the delegations arrive."

Zane watched as Ash paid Alexei no mind. The two children had entered the nest and were cutting up some of the fruits. "We would be honored to visit whenever you find it convenient."

Neolani grinned savagely, "Sit with us Prince, the next two delegations should arrive shortly. Then we may speak of more important matters."

When the young man fell asleep in the nest, one of the larger guards took the place of Azarius. Melia continued to hold his hand as he drifted off to sleep.

Rommel was surprised when the relatively low-ranking warrior pulled the sleeping figure half into his lap and started messaging the younger man's scalp.

Alexei sat on the edge of the nest, "Our little hatchling doesn't have his parents, so he is getting his emotional regulation from the pride."

Zane and Rommel shared a look, more than one or two beings had ascended in Alaina's territory, so they were vaguely familiar with the processes. "I was under the impression the Inago only arrived this morning." Zane commented.

Neolani sneered, "Exactly."

The entire delegation was either horrified or paled, "How... has he maintained his sanity?" Rommel asked ignoring the Smyrnaean Duchy lingering around them. Ascending beasts were volatile on the best of days. Even beasts of harmony often killed without a second thought. Rommel glanced around at the Smyrnaean nobles... none seemed particularly concerned.

Neolani grinned savagely, "Even as a hatchling, don't underestimate him."

Rommel nodded, "We often have ascending visit Adar to sooth the process, I will send word for any recommendations." Either Lord Reece was a master of control... or he was incredibly docile... there were a few beasts he'd heard of that would only lash out when their lives were in danger.

Neolani gave a slow nod of thanks, "We are still ignorant, any advice would be appreciated." She saw their glances, but they were mistaken if they thought Alphonse was so easily tamed.

Zane gave a genuine smile and formal bow, "To be blessed by such a Beast, I hope we might develop more friendly relations for the future." Zane offered his hand. Zane didn't miss Rommel's speculation, but he was more inclined to believe this beast was docile by nature. How many creatures allowed humans to man handle them?

Neolani debated, "Perhaps in the future, I dare not make a promise I cannot keep." She added, she wasn't sure how much of this was the Alphonse from her memories, or how surpressed his inner beast really was.

Zane didn't let his disappointment show, "Of course, especially since the Inago are roamers. Is there any thought of a more... permanent home or regular route?"

Neolani only shook her head, "We follow where he roams," she reminded as the young warrior hummed in tandem with his kneading to help relax Ashton.

Rommel didn't hide his disappointment sigh, "Hmm... we should just have a trail of food leading to our Capital as soon as spring starts..." They had seen the bird of fire even miles from the capital... birds liked to settle were there was an abundance of food right?

"You could always try." Alexei encouraged. It would be a shame if so much food went to waste.

Zane grinned, "We will, any recommendations?"

Zane kept polite conversation with Neolani and Alexei, every ten or so minutes the warrior in the nest would swap out. Every hour five left for the inner palace and were replaced by new faces. Clearly something more than they understood was happening.